Page 19 of Wherever My Heart Roams

"Do you like music?"

"Very much."

"Do you dance?"

"We have dances on the boat all the time. I enjoy it."

"Fancy dances?"

"Some, yes."

"Would I fit in on your boat?" She asked suddenly, her forehead puckering into a frown.

"Fit in?"

"Would people there like me?"

"Of course they would. And I can teach you all the latest dances too."

"Does anyone on your boat work?" She frowned.

"Of course they do. We have a captain that runs the boat, and many laborers. People run the gambling casino, and others play music. There are many jobs on the boat." He answered.

"I see, what kind of job would I have?"

"Job? You wouldn't have a job. You'd be my wife."

"That's all?" She asked perplexed.

"Yes, of course. I told you, I own the boat. Although, I must tell you something now that might change everything."

"What?"

"My mother, is an invalid. I watch over her as best I can. You might have to help me. And she can be…quite controlling. At first, she might appear quite harsh, but you will soon get used to her and figure her out. She doesn't need doing for, but she does need…well…what I'm hoping for is companionship from you."

"Oh…she's in one of those chairs, then?" Beth asked.

"Yes, she is."

"Like Mrs. Baker, I used to stroll her around town and take her shopping every other Saturday. She sure did enjoy it. I could do that. I look after all my brothers and sisters; I could watch after your mother easily."

"You wouldn't mind?"

"No, why would I? Besides, what will I do all day on the boat? I would need her as much as she would need me. We'll be great company for each other."

"Whatever your heart desires." He answered with a charming smile.

"But I'm used to working, every day. I can't sit around on some boat and do nothing." She seemed upset. "I would want to cook your meals for you, and do dishes and whatever else I can do, to help out."

"There is something else…" He hesitated.

"What?" She asked curiously.

"I hesitate to even bring it up. It's quite upsetting. There's talk of war…a big war, like the north against the south…The state of Virginia has seceded from the union and other states are doing the same."

"War? But why? What do you mean they seceded?"

"They have left the north entirely. They are no longer part of our country. And more will follow. There are a lot of reasons. Some say to free the slaves, Lincoln wants to free the slaves. There's trade between the north and south. You see setting the slaves free creates a problem for the south. The south depends on slaves to get the crops picked and to market. Without them the task would be daunting. It's been a problem for years and it's coming to a head now. I'm afraid war is inevitable."

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